The cost of living crisis is worsening by the day - and with an average UK wedding costing upto £35,000, it’s no wonder brides-to-be are looking for tips and tricks to cut the cost. 

But just how can engaged couples save on the cost of their big day without skimping on the quality of the wedding they want?

Lisa Forde, wedding expert and founder of stationery favourites Tree of Hearts, has listed seven of her top tips to consider when planning:

1. Set your budget, and stick to it! 

Look at what you can afford and set your budget, once you have your budget set, be really strict with yourselves and stick to it. That way you’ll soon start to realise what’s important to you and your partner and it will help narrow down what you’re happy to pay for. 

2. Consider an ‘off peak’ season wedding. 

Weddings in July, August or December can cost thousands of pounds more just because it’s peak season yet September and October often have some of the most beautiful weather of the year. Have a think about when you want your wedding - some venues may even have offers for less popular times of year. 

3. In a similar fashion, consider a week day nuptials. 

Weddings on the weekend can cost thousands of pounds more than a week day, too. And while it’s often thought it helps guests by having a wedding on a Saturday because they don’t have to  book time off work, at the end of the day, it’s your wedding - do what’s right for you and your partner. 

4. Consider your guest list carefully.

Micro weddings were introduced during the pandemic but at Tree of Hearts we’re noticing more and more couples deciding to downsize their wedding guest list. Do you need to invite family you haven’t seen in 10 years just because it’s etiquette, or your friends' partners who you’ve never met? 

5. Sign up to your favourite suppliers’ email mailing lists.

Make sure you sign up to any of your favourite suppliers mailing lists to be first to hear of any offers or samples - we’re often emailing our lovely Tree of Hearts subscribers with news, advice and offers. 

6. Utilise samples 

Always check if a supplier offers free samples - and try before you buy! We offer this service for wedding invitations, save the dates and more so our customers can see the quality and design before ordering. 

7. Seek out new, up and coming suppliers. 

Whether a up and coming wedding band or a photography student with beams of enthusiasm, you don’t need to spend thousands on some suppliers. Just make sure you check out their portfolio before booking to check it’s in your style and taste. 

Lisa added: “But most importantly don’t forget to remember why you’re getting married in the first place. It’s a celebration of you and the person you love deciding to commit to one another. You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of pounds in order to do that.” 

Tree of Hearts is a one-stop shop for all things wedding stationery from Save the Dates through to Thank You Cards.